Biology 222: Evolution
Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 111 or BIOL 112.
Credit Hours: (4)
Evolution is a major tenet of modern biological theory that in 1973, evolutionary
biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky penned that "nothing in biology makes sense except
in the light of evolution". This course provides a comprehensive introduction to evolutionary
biology. Topics covered include evidence for evolution, molecular phylogenetics, population
genetics, natural selection, species and speciation, extinction, human evolution,
and conservation. Classes are a mixture of lecture, group discussion, data analysis,
and problem solving.
Content
Students in this course will be exposed to several introductory and intermediate level
skills in evolution, including: 1) Apply Darwin’s postulates to situations in biology;
2) Read phylogenetic trees and explain that all life share a common ancestor; 3) Explain
within population-level processes (in addition to natural selection, drift, migration,
vicariance); and 4) Map characters on phylogenetic trees and explain the basics of
how trees are estimated.
Instructional strategies
- Lecture
- Group discussion
- Computer lab simulations
- Data analysis
- Student presentations
- Case studies
Learning Objectives
- Provide examples of the predictive ability of evolutionary theory.
- Summarize the contributions of major historical thinkers to our modern understanding
of evolution.
- Explain the principles of Mendelian genetics, identify violations of Mendelian genetics,
and calculate genotype and phenotype probabilities.
- Describe the origins of genetic/chromosomal variation, and estimate genetic variation
within and among individuals, populations, and species.
- Estimate allele and genotype frequencies in a population and discuss the roles that
mutation, migration, genetic drift, natural selection, and sexual selection play in
changing allele frequencies from one generation to the next.
- Explain “Darwin’s Postulates” (over-reproduction, variation, heritability, and differential
survival) and give examples of how specific adaptations may have evolved via natural
selection.
- Describe major species concepts, discuss their appropriateness and utility relative
to various organisms and datasets (e.g. fossils vs. observations of behavior vs. genetic
and chromosomal data) and provide examples of how they relate to the various modes
of speciation.
- Construct and interpret phylogenetic trees using fossil, phenotypic, geographic, and
genetic data.
- Compare and contrast the contributions that genetic, fossil, geographic, and ecological
data can make to our understanding of evolution.
Assessment measures
Graded assignments may include
- frequent short quizzes
- exams that include multiple choice, short answer, or essay questions
- data analysis and interpretation using different computer applications
- contributions to group discussions
- short presentations
- written reports
Other Course Information
None
Approval and Review
March, 2023